LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 78

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78

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT
lacking in clarity and did not provide as clear a witness
to the Gospel as it might have. I have spoken with Dr.
Benke about this matter. It should be noted that he has
expressed his own agreement with the view that his
prayer could and should have been more complete in its
expression of faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to
salvation. In his response to the charges against him he
has admitted this deficiency and has asked for the
Synod’s forgiveness.

Again, regarding the vital importance of purity of doctrine communicated in peace and unity, Dr. Walther states:

Here are the exact words of Dr. Benke himself, originally posted on January 4, 2002, online and in print since
that date, and referenced in my memos to the Synod, noted
above:

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I address these
words to you out of a deep and abiding concern for the
health and vitality of our Synod. While we certainly have
had and continue to have an abundance of difficulties and
disagreements, we are undeniably blessed with God given
unity and harmony in many, many ways.
A pastor friend of mine shared with me these reminders
in a recent e-mail:

I made a pledge very early on to take seriously those
who differed with me. So in the area of specific wording, to whoever has had problems and criticisms, I am
sorry that I didn’t get the words out more clearly or accurately or completely. Although it was never intentional, I know that my words have offended some in my
denomination, and for that offense I apologize, sincerely, and ask for forgiveness.
David H. Benke
January 4, 2002

As your ecclesiastical supervisor, Dr. Benke, I assure
you again, as I have in the past, of the forgiveness you have
requested, by the grace of God, in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Beyond these words, and any that I may share in response to questions submitted during the Q & A portion of
this report, I believe it is time to put this matter behind us
and get on with the mission our Lord has given.
In the meantime, I am pleased to report that the assignment I gave to the Synod’s Commission on Theology
and Church Relations almost immediately following the
events of September 2001 has been completed and distributed to the Synod in the form of a document titled Guidelines for Participation in Civic Events. I publicly thank the
Commission for its excellent work in preparing this document, adopted by a vote of 14–2. It is scheduled to come before this convention for consideration and commendation.
In addition, our Convention theme, One Mission—
Ablaze! is enhanced by a resource titled “Witness & Worship in Pluralistic America” (Concordia Seminary, St.
Louis, 2004). This document provides both proper caution
and evangelical encouragement in our endeavor to reach
people around the world with the Gospel of Christ. One example will suffice: “The Great Commission obligates the
church to be in the world without becoming of the world in
order to witness to the world.”
Witnessing to the pure Gospel in a pluralistic America
brings challenges and difficulties. In order to face and overcome them, it is imperative that we speak with one voice, in
Christian love.
Regarding this necessity, Dr. Walther said at the first
convention of the Iowa District in an essay titled “Duties of
An Evangelical Lutheran Synod”:
My dear brothers, let us be on our guard! Satan is
sly. Right now we are brothers, living together in peace
and love. But Satan will lay for us snares by which he
hopes to destroy the sweet, brotherly love we now have
in our hearts. We dare never think that it is enough if
we just remain united in our faith and our doctrine. …
It is frightening what harm can result when members
of a church organization do not vigilantly guard their
fraternal love. (Essays for the Church by C. F. W.
Walther, Vol. II, p.56, CPH, 1992.)

2004 Convention Proceedings

“A fifth major duty is that it (the Synod) strive for
peace and unity in the truth in its midst.” He quotes
Luther: “Where there is no love, there doctrine cannot
remain pure!” Then Walther says, “We dare never think
it is enough if we just remain united in our faith and
doctrine.” (Essays for the Church Vol. II, CPH, 1992)

Dear Jerry,
In church Sunday as I heard the words of Jesus’
High Priestly prayer I was thinking about all the things
that Synod isn’t fighting about and I was truly thankful. We aren’t fighting about:
• Gay Marriage or Gay Rights
• The Ordination of Homosexual Pastors
• Abortion
• The Trinity
• The Doctrine of Christ
• The Inspiration of Scripture
• The Nature of the Gospel
• The Real Presence of Christ in the Sacrament
• The Historicity or Validity of the Resurrection
• The Third Use of the Law
• The Doctrine of the Church
• Predestination
• Creation
• Justification
• Sanctification
• Charismatic Issues
• The Descent of Christ into Hell
• The Apostles’ Creed
• The Nicene Creed
• The Athanasian Creed
• And so much more!!!!!!!! You can add to the list.

He’s right. We have so much more that unites us than
those things that would divide us!
Mindful of these rich blessings from the hand of our gracious God and how they might be used to His glory in the
accomplishment of His mission, I now conclude this report
as I have done throughout these past 3 years, respectfully
inviting your involvement in and commitment to a number
of hopes, dreams, and visions for the LCMS in the years
ahead.
With deep respect and fervent love I invite you to dream
with me great dreams for the LCMS! George Bernard Shaw
once said, “Some men see things as they are and ask,
‘Why?’ I dream things that never were, and ask, ‘Why not?’”
• Why not the LCMS as a church body whose faithful
witness to the Gospel produces a dynamic, vital, exponentially growing group of congregations—reaching
people who do not yet know Jesus Christ as Lord and
Savior—transforming the hearts and lives of many
here on earth for life in eternity?
• Why not the LCMS as a church body that provides resourceful partnership in worldwide Lutheran rela-